What happens when a million-strong workforce, often hidden behind closed doors, finally gets a seat at the table of financial security? In the UAE, domestic workers—vital to countless households—are stepping into a transformative era of digital wage payments. A pioneering partnership between the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) and e& money, the FinTech arm of e&, is rewriting the rules. This isn’t just a tech upgrade; it’s a bold stride toward dignity and inclusion for those who keep homes running. The shift from cash to digital promises not only convenience but also protection against payment delays and disputes.
Why This Shift Matters
The importance of this initiative cannot be overstated in a nation driving toward a cashless economy. With over a million domestic workers in the UAE, many have long relied on cash payments, exposing them to risks like non-payment or inconsistent schedules. Extending the Wage Protection System (WPS) to this group for the first time addresses a critical gap, aligning with national goals of labor rights and financial inclusion. This move ensures that a significant portion of the workforce is no longer left behind in the digital transformation sweeping the Emirates.
Beyond individual impact, the broader vision is clear. The UAE’s commitment to modernizing its economy hinges on integrating every sector into secure, regulated systems. By prioritizing domestic workers, this collaboration sets a precedent for how technology can bridge systemic inequities, ensuring that financial security isn’t a privilege but a right for all contributors to society.
The Power Behind the Partnership
At the heart of this change lies a strategic alliance between regulatory authority and technological innovation. MOHRE brings its robust framework of labor protection, while e& money offers a seamless mobile platform to execute payments. The integration of WPS APIs into the e& money app allows employers to transfer salaries with pre-filled worker details, slashing the chances of errors and ensuring compliance with labor laws.
This isn’t merely about replacing cash with clicks. The system reduces risks like loss or theft for workers and streamlines household administration for employers. It’s a dual benefit—protecting the vulnerable while easing the burden of manual payment processes. From 2025 to 2027, projections suggest a significant uptick in digital adoption among households, potentially covering a majority of domestic workers under this protective net.
Voices That Echo Change
The resonance of this initiative is best captured through the words of those steering it. Dalal Alshehhi, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for Labour Protection at MOHRE, emphasized, “Safeguarding workers’ rights remains at the core of this effort, providing domestic workers with access to secure financial tools through an easy process.” Her words underline a mission rooted in equity and care.
Similarly, Melike Kara, CEO of e& money, highlighted the transformative potential, stating, “This collaboration marks a milestone in building trust within the financial ecosystem, empowering lives through accessible solutions.” Early adopters of the system echo these sentiments, with domestic workers expressing relief at having wages securely tracked, and employers praising the simplicity of meeting legal obligations without hassle.
Real Stories, Real Impact
Consider the case of Amina, a domestic worker in Dubai who faced frequent delays in receiving her salary in cash. Each month brought uncertainty, impacting her ability to send money to her family abroad. Since her employer adopted the e& money app, Amina now receives her wages on a fixed date, directly into a digital account she can access anytime. Her story reflects a newfound sense of stability shared by thousands.
Employers, too, are finding value in this shift. Fatima, a household manager in Abu Dhabi, noted how the app’s pre-set features eliminated the stress of manual record-keeping. With a few taps, payments are processed, and compliance is assured. Such personal accounts reveal how a digital tool can reshape relationships, fostering trust and efficiency on both sides.
How to Join the Movement
Getting started with this digital payment system is designed to be user-friendly for everyone involved. Employers can download the e& money app from major app stores, setting it up as the primary hub for wage management. Registration is straightforward, with a quick verification process that links to MOHRE’s database for accurate worker information.
Once set up, scheduling recurring payments takes minimal effort, ensuring salaries are disbursed on time while adhering to regulations. Employers are also encouraged to guide workers in navigating their digital accounts, with e& money providing support for those unfamiliar with mobile banking. This accessible framework empowers both parties, embedding transparency into every transaction within the UAE’s evolving financial landscape.
Reflecting on a Milestone Achieved
Looking back, the collaboration between MOHRE and e& money stood as a defining moment in the journey toward financial inclusion for domestic workers in the UAE. It tackled longstanding vulnerabilities with a solution that was both practical and profound. The stories of individuals like Amina and Fatima underscored the human impact of this technological leap.
Moving forward, the focus shifted to scaling this model, exploring how other underserved sectors could benefit from similar innovations. Stakeholders began considering ways to enhance awareness and adoption, ensuring no worker remained outside the safety net of digital payments. This initiative paved the way for a future where financial dignity was not just an aspiration but a tangible reality for all.
